BioSteel's elite NHL camp in Halifax creates learning opportunity for incoming Blackhawks star, as well as publicity for official NHL hydration product brand.
Connor to Connor. Generational talent to generational talent.
Edmonton Oilers star Connor McDavid, the NHL's No. 1 draft pick in 2015, has been deftly passing the puck — and tips — to Chicago Blackhawks rookie Connor Bedard, the top selection in 2023, this week in Halifax, Nova Scotia. See the video at: https://www.instagram.com/p/CwlgjVNvvGA/?hl=en
Both Connors are among the 30 top NHL players participating at BioSteel's NHL camp. The brand, co-founded in 2009 by former NHL forward Mike Cammalleri, is an official hydration partner of the NHL and the NHLPA. Its Tetra Pak beverages have become staples in NHL dressing rooms under the claims of being sugar-free, "clean," healthy and being blended from premium ingredients.
The 26-year-old McDavid led the NHL last season with 64 goals and 153 points en route to winning the Hart Trophy as the league's MVP. McDavid captured his fifth scoring title in seven seasons with the highest point total since Mario Lemieux put up 161 in 1995-96.
BioSteel also has even bigger-name, bigger-money athletes under contract, topped by Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes. https://biosteel.com/
The Halifax camp for NHLers is a chance for the Toronto-based brand to showcase its commitment to hockey. BioSteel signed Bedard a year ago to an endorsement deal and has positioned the incoming Blackhawks forward alongside Mahomes and USA Soccer and Portland Thorns forward Sophia Smith as its marquee stars. https://www.instagram.com/p/CwjPlXJJtft/?hl=en
BioSteel has some well-produced videos from its 2023 camp featuring Bedard, McDavid, Nathan MacKinnon, Cale Makar and other stars, most easily found on Instgagram. Here's another. https://www.instagram.com/p/CwoLEIgPqFu/?hl=en
Bedard talked about his experience and ability to learn from established NHLers on a video call from the camp. The 18-year-old forward singled out McDavid for providing advice.
“He's obviously one of if not the best player in the world," Bedard said. "So that's someone that I've been able to kind of be a sponge with and ask some questions."
Both McDavid and Bedard produced points at dizzying clips in junior hockey. Both Connors were heralded as exceptional, franchise-foundational talents.
The speedy McDavid has lived up the the hype. Now it's the fast, shifty Bedard's turn as he becomes the face of the rebuilding Blackhawks. The 5-foot-10, 185-pound center from North Vancouver, B.C. realizes he has a lot to live up to when it comes to comparisons with McDavid.
"He's obviously unbelievable,” said Bedard. “And you can barely talk about his stats because they're so ridiculous. But for me, it's just kind of trying to be my own player and be the best that I can be.
"I think for myself and (McDavid) as well we both just kind of love the game so much,” Bedard added. “There's obviously pressure from the outside, and I want to do well, I'm hard on myself and I expect a lot from myself.
"But I think the pressure goes away in my mind when you're just doing what you love, and obviously hoping to be playing in the in the league I've dreamed of playing in for 18 years now.”